Thursday, December 29, 2011

In Iowa, candidates are "Running to the Right", but in Humboldt it is more like "Running to the Left!" I really feel that Humboldt is going to be the critical county for this race. I know Jared Huffman has garnered some high name endorsements, but having the HSU Democrats won't do him much good if those kids aren't here to vote! Huffman seems to be ignoring the county, or he has some plan I have not figured out yet. Susan Adams has Richard Salzman helping out, and that is big for her campaign. (Look for some huge endorsements in the near future that will shock many in Humboldt County politics.) Richard can find votes where some do not dare to tread. Norman Solomon has his "Boots to the Ground" campaign starting to make headway. It is just going to be really close. So after Del Norte, Trinity and Humboldt County predictions, Solomon is in 1st at 9,497, Huffman is in 2nd at 8,279, Adams in 3rd at 8,141, Lawson in 4th at 6,827 and Republican Dan Roberts in 5th at 6,319.

These numbers will change drastically as we move to the Southern County of Mendocino next.

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Progressive Democrats of Eureka hosted a forum for the 2nd
District Congressional candidates yesterday and nearly 100 people showed up to
hear what each of the 6 candidates that showed had to say. (No times Standard?
What is with that?) Eureka City Councilperson Linda Atkins made sure things
moved timely and orderly and here is my take and ratings.

Andy Caffery:Andy sung his Earth First! introduction about “Where
are we going to work when the trees are gone?” He says he has been working on
the Klamath water issue for 30 years.He
feels the Climate change is the most important issue for the North Coast and the
economy. Says the Dems and Reps have failed us. We need to close the 150 military
bases around the world. He also feels we need to look to creating an Ecotopia
here. Need attention on Animal Species Extinction due to climate change.Says he will be the “worst nightmare”
Republicans will have to face in the House. “Bush needed to be impeached!” Not
happy with Nancy Pelosi either. Doesn’t like the fact that Urban areas such as
Eureka makes decisions effecting rural areas and would like to create an “Emerald
City” out of Garberville.In his closing
he blamed the Republicans on dismantling the Country and we need to uphold “Green”
values.I would give him a 3 out of 5
rating. I thought he would talk more pot.

William Courtney: Had
hard time speaking up. He believes in a flat tax. Feels we should “Contribute
what you can.” Feels we should have a surcharge tax of $50 per Marijuana plant
and we should push exporting of same as well as legalization. Figures we have
350,000 plants in the district. Thinks Wave/Ocean energy needs to be tapped
into and that we need a “Global Project” to face the potential of losing 50% of
earthly species due to climate change. Supports a Clean Energy Act. As a doctor
he feels we need to expand use of healthy molecules through raw juices to
people. In closing he felt we had an array of problems that could be dealt with
through compromise and Corporations stands as a problem. Smart guy but hard to understand.
2 out of 5 rating.

Tiffany Renee: Stressed her community service as
Councilperson of Petaluma and being the first Latina on the council. Feels
Congress needs to work together. Feels we need to either raise the limit to
$250,000 or eliminate altogether Social Security tax thresholds. Thinks we need to reclassify cannabis and let
city and counties regulate. As congressperson would look to consensus and evaluate
when sometimes needing to “Fall on the Sword.” Petaluma has been on the forefront of environmental
issues for years and she has been involved in the processes. She “stays engaged”
on issues and is running a low budget campaign. In closing she was optimistic that
congress will have a large turnover. Sweet lady who is just not ready for this
stage yet. 2 out of 5 rating.

Susan Adams: She has
been a nurse 33 years and currently a Board of Supervisor member of Marin
County. With her leadership Marin has a
Healthy financial reserve. Feels we need to get off fossil fuel
dependence.“Congress is out of touch.
The majority of people filing for bankruptcy are from Medical bills!” Blames Bush
and Regan tax cuts from the past. “Somethings wrong when Warren Buffet feels he
should pay more tax!” See feels the need for taxing “Fair Share.” “We need to
protect Social Security and Medicare #1.”
Feels that Humboldt County needs Marine Highway to transport goods in and out
and feels we need better broadband. Economy will grow organically with right
components.Feels we need to sometimes
not make partisan decisions but don’t give away the store either. Need to be a careful
steward.“We need Green Clean jobs!”
Carbon Credits? Susan said she would hold dual residency if elected in the
North and South parts of the district and has family in Carlotta.In closing Susan claims to have “In the
Trench” progressive experience and also has life experience of “Watching babies
come into this life, and people leaving this life also.” She was clearly the best here. I
didn’t know what to expect. But does she have any financing? That could be her
problem. Financial viability is part of this equation. 4 out of 5 rating.

Stacy Lawson: Says
she is the only one experienced in job creation. Has started up a few
successful companies. Grew up in a mill town much like Eureka with logging and
fishing the natural resources like the North Coast. Feels the gap is widening
between rich and poor with stagnate wages.Stacy says we need tax reform that mandates the rich paying 28%. As well
as increasing corporate taxes and taxing transactions on Stock Trades. She also
feels we need a “Jobs Plan” on the National level. Put people to work on infrastructure
improvement such as Roads, Airports and Forest Restoration.As far as compromise at the Congressional
level, wants to put civility back in politics. Maybe more dinners and drinks at
the bar to find common ground. Says the Klamath agreement is good for fish and
water restoration and jobs with the dismantling.She feels she has core middle class work
ethics and would like to share a comprehensive job plan. With 65% of businesses
classified as “Small” would like to see or force banks into investing back to
the people. Stacey closed by stressing she had actually created jobs and would
like to continue at the Congressional level. This is the “Job” candidate. Raw
with little political background. But she might be the best financed of the
candidates before this is over. So she is viable. She does have a framing and
messaging issue that may be straightened out by high dollar consultants in the
near future. I give her a 3.5 out of 5 rating.

Norman Solomon: Claims
to be a 40 year ”Progressive” and is
doing “Feet on the Ground” campaigning. Wants Social Justice and Social Change.
Jobs are a must with need for “Massive” Federal help. Need for Marine Highway
and Short Sea Shipping.Need to reform
Wall Street. Will fight special interests. Will be able to resist the right
because of refusing Corporate PAC monies. “We need to protect water Quality and
Quantity!” Against
oil drilling off our coast. He understands urban living and the need for
representation from Rural areas. Used the word “Ain’t” too many times. We aren’t
that bumpkin here! He closed by thanking former Eureka Mayor Peter LaValley and
Eureka School Board member Susan Johnson for their endorsements and invited
everyone to a get together on Jan. 11th at the Eureka Theater with
Phil Donohue hosting. I was
expecting more but he did OK. I really think he needs to step it up and separate
himself from the rest. Still time. I give him a 3 out of 5 rating.

Jared Huffman: The “Anointed One”did not attend. He is spending time for the holidays with family.
Sent Committee Co-Chair Bonnie Neely to read statement.Bonnie did well with the written script. Did
nothing for me. Huffman gave more of what we can expect from him in the future
if elected. More of the same as what we have had.1 out 5 rating.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

On the ground organizing will be important in Trinity and it sounds like Solomon's campaign has this in order with the proper contacts. But Republican Dan Roberts will take this more conservative leaning county. Even though the numbers for each party is close, the Dems will be scrambling for votes. So after Del Norte and Trinty County predictions, Roberts leads at 1,970, Soloman is 2nd at 1,912, Huffman 3rd at 1,503 and Lawson in 4th at 1,308. Upcoming next is Humboldt!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Progressive Democrats of Eureka are hosting a candidates forum for the 2nd Congressional District TOMORROW (December 22), 7 pm at the Labor
Temple, 840 E Street in Eureka. The Progressive Democrats of Eureka are an off branch of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee and are led by Eureka Councilperson Linda Atkins. Should be interesting since the PDA has already endorsed Norman Solomon.

Monday, December 19, 2011

I will admit there are alot of variables in this race. Will Banafsheh Akhlaghi drop out? There has been little heard from her camp. Who will Debra Broner and the Del Norte Democrats support? I know Normon Solomon will have support, and then it comes down to the money candidates. I am predicting a 37% turnout. Here is my prediction for Del Norte County this June:

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The video is of Matt Gulley, who is the last player I coached now playing high school. I coached boys and girls basketball at Peninsula elementary for many years and have retired from that a few years ago. (Peninsula does not have enough kids anymore for a team.)

I recently went to watch Matt at the Arcata High Invitational honoring Jerry Paul and witnessed Matt score 10 points and block shots and rebound in helping lead Arcata to a win over Anderson High. Arcata made the Championship game against Franklin, and the Arcata coach only went 6 man deep and played just a few others under 1 minute. I hate it when coaches do this. When you are winning or losing by many points, bring in the reserves! This coach also had his son starting as a junior and played him almost the entire game, even though his son was getting exhausted out there! Will Taylor is looking really good a point guard and Tom Witzel may be the best player in the league this year for Arcata.

As far as the Eureka High Loggers go, this is the tallest team I can ever remember in the county! But they have a new coach who has a sophomore son as point guard and he is trying to run and gun and press all over with a short lineup! Coach, play to your strengths! Start 6'6" Senior Mitchell Hash at the point, 6'7" Junior Bryce Rose at the other guard, 6'7" Senior Mandeep Singh at forward, 6'7" Sophomore Eli Savage at the other forward and 6'5" Junior Nate Madsen in the Post! Tallest, most athletic team in the county. And use 6'3" Sophomore Alexis Robinson and Freshman Marcus Finney off the bench at Guards. And you still have 6'6" Senior Ryan Hulbert to fit into the mix on the fron line. This team should be the favorite in league by far!

Fortuna has 5 sophmores on their team, but the trump card is 6'3"Sophmore point guard Nate Ambrosini. He broke the Loggers press effortlessly and was at the foul line 21 times. He ended with 25 points and led the Huskies to a Consolation Championship over Eureka. Brady Shaha is tough in the middle, but they are going to have height issues. (No one over 6'3").

McKinleyville will be fun to watch because of Parker Farris. He has to be the best improviser in the county. And he has great court sense. You can not teach what he does. Cody Bates plays with heart, but I just don't see alot off the bench.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

I had a chance to meet Stacey yesterday in Eureka with a group of Labor Representatives and was highly impressed by her observations of the 2nd Congressional race. She has progressive values much like Solomon. This race also has Susan Adams, so there are many good choices. Huffman is the Corporate candidate with the anointing of Thompson, so I am looking for who has the best chance of beating him in the long haul. Stacey is the best funded, but it is still early.

Friday, November 25, 2011

First, let me preface that I want the Dams removed from the Klamath. I want PacificCorp to pay for this.

In 1911 California Oregon Power Company started building 4 dams on the Upper Klamath river. For years Indian tribes and Commercial Fisherman have demanded removal in hopes of revitalizing fish runs. There is a tentative pact that will theoretically allow for farmers to retain water rights for irrigation in Oregon. The deal is a collaborative legislation between Congressman Thompson and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

Here is my problem with this pact. The cost for removal is 1 Billion dollars! PacificCorp is to pay 250 million dollars and Thompson and Merkley want the Federal Government to pay 500 million! Then Thompson and Merkley say the remaining balance will be covered by "non federal sources." It will actually come from California Taxpayers through a chunk of a 11.1 billion dollar state water bond that is scheduled to be on the ballot next year. There will be no gain of our usable water supply in California with the removal of the dams. What is the rational? Improved runs on the Klamath will offset losses of habitat in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. (According to Sacramento Bee writer Dan Walters)

So basically, instead of waiting for PacificCorp to remove the dams on their dime, Warren Buffet is benefiting with a gift of 750 million dollars total of your taxpayer dollars. Yeah, he really needs more money. And Thompson gets credit for helping fishing habitat in his new district in the Sacramento valley!

And Thompson wants a vote for Huffman? No thanks, Solomon for Congress!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Rumor has it that IN- N- OUT Burger is setting up shop at the old Arctic Circle location on 5th St. Anyone else heard this? Now we will have to get used to that secret menu list. 2XMeat, Animal Style, Flying Dutchman and all the other cult names for their burgers. Bring it on!